Twitter UK updates rules to make it a 'safer place' for users

Abuse will not be tolerated

Twitter's UK arm has responded to recent concerns over abuse on the social network, pledging to do more to combat the spates of unpleasant and threatening behaviour from so-called internet 'trolls'.

In a post on its UK blog, the company said it had listened to recent feedback and has updated its rules to clarify what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and the consequences of flouting the rules.

The post from Del Harvey, Twitter's senior director or trust and safety, and Tony Wang's UK General Manager expressed the company's desire to ensure Twitter is a safer place for users.

"We have updated the Twitter Rules to clarify that we do not tolerate abusive behaviour," the post read. "We want people to feel safe on Twitter, and we want the Twitter Rules to send a clear message to anyone who thought that such behaviour was, or could ever be, acceptable."

'We're listening'

The company also pledged to make the in-tweet report button, currently available in the company's iOS app, available across more platforms, starting with iOS and then the browser-based site.

"Rather than going to our Help Centre to file an abuse report, users can report abusive behaviour directly from a Tweet. Starting next month, this button will also be available in our Android app and on Twitter.com," the post continued.

As well as pledging to work with the UK's Safe Internet centre, the company said it was hiring more staff to combat abuse on the microblog

"We are committed to making Twitter a safe place for our users. We are adding additional staff to the teams that handle abuse reports and are exploring new ways of using technology to improve everyone's experience on Twitter. We're here, and we're listening to you."